Talau has already signed a three-year deal with St Helens

The 27-year-old had already signed a three-year contract with Saints from the start of next season and was expected to arrive in England in November.

Saints injury crisis deepens

But the Bulldogs have allowed Talau to join St Helens straight away because of the Saints' injury crisis, although they have reserved the right to bring him back to Australia should they need to.

The condition opens up the possibility that Talau could play in both the NRL and the Super League Grand Final.

The NRL Grand Final takes place on 5 October, which would give Talau time to return to England in time for the Super League decider at Old Trafford on 18 October.

"It's an unusual situation but we don't want to stand in the way of his career," said Canterbury chairman George Peponis.

We might look to use Willie in a multi-skilled role for the rest of this year because of the injuries we've incurred Saints coach Ian Millward

"Willie's given the Bulldogs good service over the years and he's got an opportunity to earn good money over there."

Saints coach Ian Millward said Talau could come straight into the St Helens side.

"If he's not feeling too bad he might come into contention for a place against Hull on Sunday," said Millward.

"The reason we've brought him over early is to give us some breathing space with our injury position.

"We might look to use Willie in a multi-skilled role for the rest of this year because of the injuries we've incurred, but he'll play at centre next year.

"He's a very powerful player and I think the fans will really warm to him, but he hasn't played a lot of first grade football lately, so although he'll come to us fresh he might take a little while to get up to speed."

Talau won his 12th New Zealand cap in last month's Test defeat by Australia in Sydney.